Somebody had to write this piece someday. Somebody had to reject the idea of constantly measuring ourselves in terms of likes and comments and restacks. Somebody had to point out how it can make you feel sometimes like a lab-rat pressing the bar for another jolt of it. Now I, being an appendage of the 'like-machine' am tempted to give a big like for being the one to do it, Tommy, and I think I will, just to make you laugh at the absurdity ... before I do the restack.
i've grown so accustomed to no one reading my posts, let alone liking them, that if i one day see a little red heart near my writing, i'm gonna be pissed that they ruined my streak. i still don't really know what a restack is. This is not a plea for help or sympathy. i mean it, don't even fucking go near my page.
So true. I do that, I give little love pinch sometimes just to be a swell guy or maybe to let someone know I'm out there...But rarely, Nearly. Truly, Nearly. Sincerely, Nearly.
Yeah, feeling this one. The last thing I published, I said I wouldn't look at Substack for 24 hours, and I lasted 4 hours. It's an unsettling thing, feeling that pull. It's also amazing how quickly the balance tips between feeling like a golden child/talentless schmuck. Based on digital blips.
Stand-up comedy always seemed to me like asking for a public response to the classic middle school note: Do you like me? Yes [ ] No [ ], over and over, in real-time. The like button's pushed writing pretty far in that direction.
Yeah, stand-up is hardcore on the fly self esteem monitoring-- But I'll bet it becomes something else and when it does it is exciting. I find that joy of putting energy out into the world is much greater and less confusing than the response to that energy.
There's a business saying that "What doesn't get measured doesn't get done." For businesses this is wise since what you choose to measure can dictate your strategy and the future health of your business. For writers on Substack or for any art, that measurement can be deadening. Here's a commercials that gets at the point about "likes"
Thanks for this… I’ve really loved diving into this platform and certainly feel much better on it than I ever have on other forms of social media, but I’ve had this little voice of hesitation about the dopamine hits I’m getting from it. Best case scenario I’m getting tons of notifications every day — do I want to live like that long term, riding off that little sugar high? I’ve been deleting the app every few days which seems to help. But we’ll see because I can also have addictive tendencies and this is really hard to avoid checking constantly. Wondering also if there’s a way to find balance
It's some dope fiend dopamine shit. When you're deleting the app every few days it maybe be time to join a 12-step fellowship. That's pretty druggy, and I only say that because I been there-- though not with Substack. I really like that comment Eden. Confession is my favorite genre.
Beautiful and true. And you are beautiful. I am not ashamed admit I know you professor. I can't believe I wrote something that got you to comment. I'm kinda giddy.
I have been saying this over and over to every one everywhere, but especially in Stacktown. I'm glad to see someone else noticing how toxic this shit is.
Somebody had to write this piece someday. Somebody had to reject the idea of constantly measuring ourselves in terms of likes and comments and restacks. Somebody had to point out how it can make you feel sometimes like a lab-rat pressing the bar for another jolt of it. Now I, being an appendage of the 'like-machine' am tempted to give a big like for being the one to do it, Tommy, and I think I will, just to make you laugh at the absurdity ... before I do the restack.
I was rejecting it, while surrendering to it, which is kind of surrecting it. Anway, you're swell Mc Carhty and I like you and no button needed.
I truly love everything you write. Is that too much?
That's just write. That's the blow dryer!
i've grown so accustomed to no one reading my posts, let alone liking them, that if i one day see a little red heart near my writing, i'm gonna be pissed that they ruined my streak. i still don't really know what a restack is. This is not a plea for help or sympathy. i mean it, don't even fucking go near my page.
Well, that's an approach. You got to strike a balance I guess. The only problem with balance is that it is balanced.
Now I have to see what you’re doing of course
Of course.
You live on a two way street, my friend. Some of us hit like thinking maybe you’d like us as well. And we’re not sophisticated enough to clap modesty.
So true. I do that, I give little love pinch sometimes just to be a swell guy or maybe to let someone know I'm out there...But rarely, Nearly. Truly, Nearly. Sincerely, Nearly.
I like this. No. I fucking love this.
It's all pretty chaotic, and absurd. But I fucking love that you love it.
Hence the name of my page. American and the world are on fire and CHAOS is the only way to describe it.
I apologize for hitting that heart, Tommy.
This is a quandary only artists have. Let that console you if it can. I’m still angry some people bought paintings I thought they’d never really get.
Not everything is transactional is it? or shouldn’t be, but it lets us live.
out of respect to the artist
i decline comment
Thank you miss Heather.
I DON’T LIKE this post, but there were no other options to click.
You and me both
Yeah, feeling this one. The last thing I published, I said I wouldn't look at Substack for 24 hours, and I lasted 4 hours. It's an unsettling thing, feeling that pull. It's also amazing how quickly the balance tips between feeling like a golden child/talentless schmuck. Based on digital blips.
Stand-up comedy always seemed to me like asking for a public response to the classic middle school note: Do you like me? Yes [ ] No [ ], over and over, in real-time. The like button's pushed writing pretty far in that direction.
Yeah, stand-up is hardcore on the fly self esteem monitoring-- But I'll bet it becomes something else and when it does it is exciting. I find that joy of putting energy out into the world is much greater and less confusing than the response to that energy.
🤔 ❤️ 💔 😤 🤬 😮💨 🫶
There's a business saying that "What doesn't get measured doesn't get done." For businesses this is wise since what you choose to measure can dictate your strategy and the future health of your business. For writers on Substack or for any art, that measurement can be deadening. Here's a commercials that gets at the point about "likes"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysKyHXXtYQ
An informative and thoughtful response from an east side kid. Glad your paying attention at least! Hi David.
Hi back at you, bohemian west sider.
Some of us are always free on Substack and don't monetize our pages. I'm my case, I'll never monetize my page.
Stay free Fullerton, stay free!
Just call me "Freebie"!
Thanks for this… I’ve really loved diving into this platform and certainly feel much better on it than I ever have on other forms of social media, but I’ve had this little voice of hesitation about the dopamine hits I’m getting from it. Best case scenario I’m getting tons of notifications every day — do I want to live like that long term, riding off that little sugar high? I’ve been deleting the app every few days which seems to help. But we’ll see because I can also have addictive tendencies and this is really hard to avoid checking constantly. Wondering also if there’s a way to find balance
It's some dope fiend dopamine shit. When you're deleting the app every few days it maybe be time to join a 12-step fellowship. That's pretty druggy, and I only say that because I been there-- though not with Substack. I really like that comment Eden. Confession is my favorite genre.
The (little red) heart is a lonely hunter.
Beautiful and true. And you are beautiful. I am not ashamed admit I know you professor. I can't believe I wrote something that got you to comment. I'm kinda giddy.
I have been saying this over and over to every one everywhere, but especially in Stacktown. I'm glad to see someone else noticing how toxic this shit is.
Toxic, addictive, evidence of the strange and troubling times we live in and of course, pastry cream rich, when it falls your way.